Alabama will be without six defensive backs next season, and five in particular expect to hear their names called in the NFL Draft. In wanting to show Nick Saban their capabilities to play winning football, two young guys showed out during the first scrimmage on Saturday.
Shyheim Carter, a junior, has played in 23 games – including 14 in 2017.
He totaled seven tackles with a pass breakup as a sophomore, playing behind Tony Brown at star in the Crimson Tide’s nickel defense. Despite Brown being the veteran, Carter was the more natural fit at the position and the Louisiana native is taking ownership of the secondary.
“He’s really trying to affect other players,” Saban said of Carter after the scrimmage. “He’s out there making calls, has a good understanding of the defense and I think he played really well today.”
Along with Carter, sources confirmed with yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine that sophomore Daniel Wright was turning heads as well. He turned in a few nice tackles, despite rough weather conditions, and will more than likely be used in dime (‘Money’) or safety.
Even with the possibility of returning Trevon Diggs (ankle) next week, Alabama continues to experiment with wide receiver Devonta Smith in the secondary. According to Saban, the team was trying to get him a dozen reps at cornerback but most of the time he was at receiver.
“We probably could have done that a little more if Jerry Jeudy was not hurt,” Saban said on working Smith at corner. “All we are trying to do is get him enough turns that if we had an emergency situation next year, either we lost some guys or whatever, in a week’s time he could go help us depth wise.”
The Crimson Tide will return to practice next Monday and will have its final scrimmage on Saturday, April 14, before taking to Bryant-Denny Stadium for its spring game.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
